Italian numbers are always doubtful. This time we have a state deficit which is 3,6 percent on Gnp for the first nine months of 2004. It is more than Europe should allow. Istat, the Italian statistical office, says that this doesn't take into account the last quarter, when a lot of money entered the public finances. But it is worrysome... Europe has already said that Italy is not in a position to be forgiven if it takes the wrong path in public spending. But we just had a new budget, with lower taxes. Apparently.